Will a cold with nasal congestion get better on its own?

Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
Updated on October 20, 2024
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Cold, also known as upper respiratory tract infection, manifests clinically in patients with varying degrees of nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. It's important first to identify the upper respiratory tract infection, which is mainly caused by a viral infection that leads to symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and sometimes a sore throat. For viral infections causing inflammatory lesions in the respiratory tract, in cases where the patient's immune function is strong, the symptoms of nasal congestion caused by the viral cold can resolve on their own. However, in infants or elderly people with lower immune function, when a viral cold occurs, symptomatic treatment with antiviral drugs can lead to a quicker recovery.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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Can you swim with a cold?

Colds, also known as upper respiratory infections, generally occur because the patient's immune function is weakened, leading to the condition. Many patients catch a cold due to exposure to cold, while others are infected by people with colds due to weakened immune function. For patients with a cold who do not have a fever, we generally recommend engaging in appropriate exercise, which can help alleviate the symptoms of a cold. For instance, if a cold occurs during the cold winter months, swimming and participating in similar physical activities can be beneficial for enhancing the patient's immune function and aiding in quicker recovery from the illness. Therefore, it is acceptable for patients with a cold to swim.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Can babies with colds eat eggs?

When infants catch a cold, it is mostly due to a viral infection, which reduces their intestinal digestive function and increases their intestinal sensitivity. Therefore, it is not advisable for them to eat eggs during this time. Firstly, eggs are one of the most common allergens for children, and their sensitivity increases during a cold, possibly triggering allergic symptoms in babies, including gastrointestinal symptoms, exacerbation of skin symptoms, and even respiratory symptoms. Secondly, eggs contain a relatively high amount of fat, which, if consumed during a cold, might cause the baby to experience vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Therefore, there is a certain risk involved, and caution is necessary.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What is good to eat for a stomach cold?

Gastrointestinal colds primarily manifest gastrointestinal symptoms following a cold. It is advisable to consume more vegetables and fruits to stay hydrated and maintain the body's acid-base balance. Eating soft, easily digestible foods can also alleviate the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, such as drinking vegetable soup or rice soup. Avoid consuming raw, cold, spicy, or gas-producing foods, such as nuts, soy products, milk, eggs, etc. Moreover, actively use medications that clear heat, benefit dampness, and soothe the liver and stomach for treatment, and keep the abdominal area warm. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Can you eat crab when you have a cold?

Generally speaking, it is okay to eat crab when you have a cold. Crab contains rich nutrients that can enhance one's physique, improve immunity, and strengthen the body's ability to resist viruses. However, it is important to control the amount consumed. Crabs, being aquatic animals, are quite cold in nature. During a cold, the body's constitution is relatively weak, and the gastrointestinal function is not very good. Eating too much crab can increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, which is not conducive to the recovery from a cold. During a cold, it is advisable to eat some light fruits and vegetables.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Physical cooling methods for colds

Fever symptoms caused by a cold can be treated with physical cooling methods. There are many commonly used methods in clinical practice. For adults, one can wipe the palms, soles, neck, and chest—areas where major blood vessels run—with warm water or alcohol. You can also use a cool towel or ice packs to compress the forehead. Drinking herbal concoctions like scallion water or ginger sugar water can also help reduce fever physically. Additionally, soaking feet in Sichuan peppercorn water can be effective. Regardless of the method used, it's important to drink plenty of water and recheck the temperature after two hours.